Medvedev, Kokoity discuss cooperation, including in intl arena

August 25, 2011, 17:26 UTC+3The talks are held on the eve of the three-year anniversary of Russia’s recognition of independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia

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BOCHAROV RUCHEI, Sochi, August 25 (Itar-Tass) — Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and South Ossetian President Eduard Kokoity discuss questions of strengthening bilateral relations at a meeting in the Sochi residence of the Russian head of state.

The talks are held on the eve of the three-year anniversary of Russia’s recognition of independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

“Friday will witness three years since the time when the Russian Federation recognized South Ossetia and Abkhazia as independent states. I congratulate you cordially,” Medvedev said, opening the meeting.

He emphasized that “this is a great event for South Ossetian people”. “Three years have passed since that time, the republic is developing; there are achievements, and there are difficulties, which always accompany development. Therefore, let us speak of consolidating bilateral partnership and international issues that are connected with the development of your state,” said the Russian president.

“I’d like to convey a feeling of deep gratitude and thankfulness for difficult, timely and very responsible decisions, taken by you, on the eve of the recognition of state independence of South Ossetia,” Kokoity said in reply. “These decisions were vitally important for our small people, and now we have a chance to live in peace and develop our state,” the South Ossetian president emphasized.

He noted, “Our intergovernmental relations are also developing very dynamically”. “A humanitarian interdepartmental action is now in progress in South Ossetia. It is conducted by Russian ministries and departments, and a large humanitarian aid was delivered literally on Wednesday,” the South Ossetian leader said.

“No matter how difficult it is and no matter what consequences of the economic crisis are, all the same plans for restoration and investment development of the South Ossetian Republic are being efficiently realized,” he noted.

“We also hope for this very much, and I’m sure that all of them will be translated into life,” the Russian president emphasized.

The Ministry for Emergencies reported earlier that a motor column of 11 trucks of the 179th rescue centre of the Emergencies Ministry brought on Wednesday 116 tonnes of humanitarian aid to the South Ossetian capital, including two mobile power plants, canned meat, fish and milk, baby food, rice, sugar and blankets.

The ministry noted that the 179th rescue centre brought humanitarian aid to South Ossetia on several occasions.